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by Alrick Dorett, Co-Founder, The Brilliant Foundation
The quote by Keanu Reeves - sent by Alrick's mum to his dad's phone.
SINGAPORE - Finding Resilience and Comfort in the Midst of Grief - Reflections on a Meaningful Quote Found on My Late Father's Phone. My Dad passed away on 17th June 2020, 11 days shy of my 49th birthday.
My Mum just gave me his iPhone 8 to wipe in February 2023. I took the phone and left it a couple of days, before charging it up and looking through the phone.
I looked at the pictures he had taken on his last days leading to his death, and I found this dated 6th June. I am not sure who sent it to him or how he got it.
"Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. You fall. But, you keep going." - Yasmin Mogahed
I knew that he was in pain and cancer had spread throughout his body and he was in a hospice then. I have tears in my eyes now as I write this because every time I see it I realise how much pain he must have suffered.
My Mum had sent it to him.
It's possible that my Dad found comfort in this quote, and that it helped him to keep going during his final days.
It's also touching to know that your mum sent the picture to him.
Even though I may never know exactly how he came across it, it's clear that he held onto it and found it meaningful enough to keep on his phone until the end.
The quote in the picture is a reminder that even in the midst of our struggles, we can find strength and comfort in the knowledge that we are being tested, and that there may be a purpose to our suffering that we cannot yet see.
"The human capacity for burden is like bamboo - far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance." - Jodi Picoult
This may be a test of our resilience, our ability to adapt to change, or our capacity for compassion and empathy. In the midst of these trials, it can be easy to feel as though we are alone and that there is no reason or purpose to our suffering.
However, the quote also suggests that there may be a deeper purpose to our struggles that we cannot yet see. This might mean that our difficulties are preparing us for something greater, or that they are helping us to grow and develop in ways that we would not have otherwise.
"Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. You fall. But, you keep going." Yasmin Mogahed
It's important to remember that even though we may not understand why we are going through a particular challenge, there may be a reason for it that will become clear over time.
The idea that we are being tested can also be a source of strength and comfort during difficult times. If we can view our struggles as an opportunity to learn and grow, we may be more likely to find meaning and purpose in them. This can help us to stay motivated and resilient, even in the face of adversity.
"Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." Christian D. Larson
Ultimately, the quote in the picture is a reminder that even in the midst of our struggles, there is still hope and possibility. We may not be able to see the purpose or meaning of our suffering right away, but if we can stay open to the idea that there is a reason for it, we may be able to find strength and comfort in the face of our challenges.
"Don't watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." Sam Levenson
#bereavement #grief #loss #hope #strength #comfort #resilience #coping #support #mentalhealth #positivity #purpose #testing #adversity #struggle #growth #mindfulness #selfcare #healing #love #remembering #memories #family #emotions #therapy
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Alrick has been in the advertising industry for the last 27 years. A CPA by trade, he is currently the COO of TBWA Singapore and Malaysia, and the Chief Pricing Officer for TBWA Asia. Alrick has been part of the transformation team and operationalising those outcomes with the companies that he has worked for. His interest lies in incorporating technology into businesses, B2B pricing, and coaching and mentoring start-ups and troubled businesses.